“This is a record year in terms of people coming to Saskatchewan,” said Goodson Mwale, senior market analyst with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “We haven’t seen these levels in a long time.”

The CMHC released preliminary housing starts in Saskatchewan from January to December in 2012. Moose Jaw had the highest percentage increase in new housing in the province in 2012 at 90 per cent.

In 2011, the city had 76 single-detached housing starts and 119 in 2012. In 2011, Moose Jaw had 15 multi-family starts and that number rose to 54 in 2012. The closest percentage increase to Moose Jaw is Regina at an 85 per cent increase.

“We go about our jobs day-to-day sort of thing and we see more and more people out on the streets,” said Brian Martynook, CEO of the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce. “It kind of justifies to the residents and community of Moose Jaw that hey, maybe Moose Jaw is the place to be, especially for businesses. We’re getting an influx of entrepreneurs that are starting up their own businesses.”